Cinderella story.

We had a busy hockey weekend. Hockey Boy's travel team participated in a tournament and played two games Saturday and two games Sunday with the tournament final this morning. They won several games, including a thriller yesterday afternoon where Hockey Boy's team tied up the game with eight seconds left and then won it on the last shot of a shoot-out. His team lost Saturday night really badly, 11-3, however, in a long, brutal game that seemed even worse than the score.

They made it to the championship game, though, and as their reward (ha ha) they got to meet the team that had beaten them so soundly again. Ever the optimist, Hockey Boy assured us that his coach had figured out a strategy to beat this team or at least to keep the game closer than before. Robert and I nodded our heads and gritted our teeth and prepared for the worst.

Surprisingly, after the first period the game was tied 2-2 and the shots on goal were even. Our team never led but was able to answer the opposing team goal for goal. Our boys were playing with a lot of confidence. I had the sense, though, that the opponents were just biding their time and waiting to pounce.

The second period found us terribly outshot but still in the game, trailing only 3-2.

Five minutes into the third period Hockey Boy scored a beautiful goal when our team was shorthanded (had one man in the penalty box). Hockey Boy's linemates swarmed and tackled him in excitement, and he skated to the bench to receive high fives from the rest of the team.

The game was tied, and I could feel the energy draining from the opponents as they stared in disbelief. They were still outshooting us, though. I held my breath in fear that they would take the lead again.

With a minute and a half to play, one of our boys broke away and scored an incredible unassisted goal. Our half of the stands went wild!

The opponents pulled their goalie to add an extra skater. Shots were flying, but our defense held strong, with our goalie making several spectacular saves.

I could hardly stand to look at this point. I watched the clock tick down, hoping the other team didn't tie it up with a last second goal as we had done the day before.

Finally, the clock showed 0:00 and the buzzer sounded. We had won! Our boys (and their fans) were over the moon excited.

I imagine Hockey Boy will be on Cloud Nine for quite some time!


Hockey Boy receiving congratulations from the opposing team after being presented with his medal


Hockey Boy with his medal


The Champions!